Sounds too good to be true, maybe. But is it possible to have an effective injection without a needle? It turns-out, this is not only possible, but it’s done with a rapid acting insulin. The findings of this study were published in Diabetes Care.

According to studies, the absorption and action of rapid-acting insulin is faster with injection by a jet injector. It looks like a conventional insulin pen but there are no needles on this little contraption. The study we learn about is a comparison of people with T1D or T2D and the insulin action compared with needle-free jet injection or insulin pen injection.

The fast acting insulin used in this study was insulin aspart. Insulin aspart is the Novo Nordisk analogue NovoLog or NovoRapid. After administration of the insulijn, participants ate a normal meal and their bG was followed for 6 hours.

The peak reaction time for jet injections took a shorter time than traditional injections. Insulin administration by jet injection resulted in shorter time to peak. Jet injection did not, however, significantly reduce the high blood sugar effect during the 5-hour period afterward.

Insofar as the body interaction differences between people with T1D and T2D, there were none. Whether you have T1D or T2D, the jet injection works faster and lasts possibly less than a traditional injection.

The good news is that if you are looking for an effective faster vehicle for faster acting insulin, jet injections may be the thing. The bad news is if you wanted an effective vehicle to extend the length of your basal insulin, looks elsewhere.